Monday, March 26, 2012

When I moved to Green River I heard all about "Bob Rock" from my students. I had no idea what they were talking about until someone pointed me toward the Book Cliffs and introduced me to "Bob."
(Although, I must say, I thought it looked more like an old fashioned locomotive engine with a smokestack... lol.)

It's all in your perspective, I guess. Just like a lot of other things in life.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Yesterday after finishing with my first day of meetings I decided to head up Provo Canyon for a little drive. It's been years since I've been up there and it seemed a beautiful afternoon for it. I captured a few shots and thought I'd share them here.

The first three photos were taken at Canyon View Park, just as you enter the canyon.

The last time I drove past Bridal Veil Falls, the tram was still working, even rode it to the top...

(Just shows how long its been since was there, I guess! Yikes!)

Another waterfall I captured just a little north of Bridal Veil Falls.

I thought this view of the mountain just looked cool with the contrast between the snow and the rock faces.

They certainly aren't professional grade, but I think they turned out all right.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

I have been watching the coverage of politics both at a state and national level in recent weeks. I must confess that many times I have been saddened by the choices made by those who are - in theory at least - supposed to represent me. There are times I have wondered if the system of government we abide by can withstand the machinations of the vocal few while the silent majority sits by without taking a stand. It seems nearly hopeless at times.

But, while we are in the midst of the political upheaval, turmoil, and disagreements I think sometimes we forget how truly remarkable our country is. We forget that one summer and fall more than 200 years ago a group of men from divergent backgrounds, beliefs, and temperaments met together and fashioned a document that has withstood the test of time.

There were disagreements over many issues when this country was founded, just as there are now, but somehow the Founders found a way to work together to create something that alone none of them could have created. They put the good of the country above their pride and differences.

Were the men perfect? Not hardly.

Was the document perfect? No. But, what type of government is without flaws?

Given all this, it is amazing that our system of government functions as well as it does. The key to the proper governing is when ordinary citizens get involved in making their voices heard and not letting them be drowned out by the fringe elements on either side of the political spectrum.

I hope we will all do our part to ensure that the sun mentioned by Benjamin Franklin is indeed a rising and not a setting sun upon our country.

Our part might be by attending cacaus meetings and asking questions, making comments, and choosing those we feel would best serve. It might happen by spending time simply being a parent and and answering questions, or supporting a child's activities. It might be being an educator and guiding young minds, giving them the power to think for themselves and make good choices in any situation. Whatever it is, we all have a part to play and we need to be involved.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

It strikes me that people are a lot like this cliff face - full of layers. Some are fully exposed, some are hidden. We will never know the full depth of a person - what makes them laugh or cry, what created the person they are today unless we see past the surface layers.

It is true of ourselves as well. We cannot expect others to open themselves to us, to reveal those deepest layers unless we are willing to peel back our own layers and let someone in.

It's a scary thought when some days it feels as though our carefully created facade balances as precariously as some of these overhanging ledges.

Still, I have to believe it is worth the risk.

“We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.” - Anais Nin

Monday, March 5, 2012

Those are the same stars, and that is the same moon, that look down upon your brothers and sisters, and which they see as they look up to them, though they are ever so far away from us, and each other.